South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, will travel to Saudi Arabia to advance partnerships for growth and development in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia in October, according to a statement from the South African Presidency. Originally planned for April, the visit had to be postponed due to the flood disaster KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa – Saudi trade
Saudi Arabia is South Africa’s second largest trading partner the Middle East and largest source of imports from the region. The exchange of political and business visits, as well as trade and investment exhibitions and seminars by both countries in the past years, have had a positive effect on trade and investment trends.
Also in October, President Ramaphosa will host President Brahim Ghali of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain.
Realizing the ERRP
These planned bilateral and multilateral engagements will advance partnerships for growth and development in South Africa and for global solidarity, security and inclusive prosperity, highlights the Presidency. South Africa’s program of economic diplomacy is a key lever for the realization of its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) to rebuild the economy.
At the multilateral level, South Africa seeks to advance its national interest – the well-being and development of all citizens – as well as the development priorities of developing countries including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the African continent, and to promote an equitable rules-based multilateral system.
South Africa was recently rated as Investment Grade by ratings company Sovereign Africa Rating.